Woman pleads not guilty in Chatsworth bus fatalities
Simi Valley Acorn
October 9, 2026
A Simi Valley woman, Bailee Lynn Rios, entered a not guilty plea Sept. 24 in connection with the Chatsworth Metro bus crash that killed two people. According to the Simi Valley Acorn, she was wheeled into a San Fernando courtroom on a gurney, surrounded by officers, and may be excused from her next hearing because of her medical condition.
This one hits close to home for us here in the 805 — the defendant is a Simi Valley resident, and the crash happened just over the hill in Chatsworth, a corridor plenty of us drive or ride regularly. Two lives were lost, and now a local family is tangled up in a serious court case that will stretch on for months.
We'll keep an eye on the proceedings as they move through the San Fernando courts. Whatever the outcome, it's a sobering reminder of how quickly an ordinary trip can turn tragic.
This summary was written by AI based on the original article from Simi Valley Acorn.
City
Simi ValleySource
Simi Valley AcornPublished
October 9, 2026
AI-curated summary from local news sources
Explore Simi ValleyAll Simi Valley NewsMore News from Simi Valley
Simi ValleyFour on floor tackle tough issues in Simi Valley mayoral debate
If you live in Simi Valley, the race for mayor is one to watch. Four candidates took the stage at a Sept. 3 forum hosted by the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, and they didn't shy away from the big stuff—public safety, housing, development, infrastructure, and economic growth. These are the issues that shape our daily lives, from how quickly help arrives when we call 911 to whether our kids can afford to stay in town. What stood out, according to the Simi Valley Acorn, is that each candidate has a different vision for how to tackle these challenges. That's a good thing. It means voters have a real choice on Nov. 3. So take a few minutes to read up, talk to your neighbors, and show up. Local elections are where your voice matters most—and Simi Valley's future is on the ballot.
Simi ValleyWhy Your Grocery Budget Can Stay in Dollars Even When Payment Technology Changes
Fellow 805 neighbors, here's a small bit of reassurance from the Simi Valley Acorn: your grocery budget can keep living in dollars, no matter how fancy payment tech gets. Think about it — rent, utilities, that Friday night dinner out, your streaming subscriptions. Most of us track all of it in dollars because our paychecks arrive in dollars and the price tags at our local markets do too. New payment methods don't have to scramble that familiar math. So whether you're budgeting for a trip down to the farmers market or just stretching the weekly grocery run, your numbers stay your numbers. It's a good reminder that convenience can change without our household balance sheets losing their footing.
Simi ValleyRabid bats on the rise in LA, Ventura counties
Heads up, neighbors — just in time for Halloween, health officials are reporting a spike in rabid bats across LA and Ventura counties, including right here in our neck of the woods. The Simi Valley Acorn flagged the surge, noting infected bats have turned up in several local cities, and officials are urging everyone to keep their distance. The rules are simple: never touch a bat, and call it in if you spot one indoors, flying around during the day, or looking sick. That last part matters most in Simi — bats love our warm evenings, open trails, and older rooflines, so a grounded or confused bat near your patio isn't just creepy, it's a real health risk. Keep pets' rabies shots current too. It's not the spooky-season headline we wanted, but a little caution goes a long way. If something seems off, report it rather than handle it yourself. Stay safe out there, 805.